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Retrospective Appraisals in Arlington, VA

A retrospective appraisal determines what a property would have sold for on a specific date in the past—called the effective date—using only the information that would’ve been available to market participants at that time. At Square Feet Appraisals, we complete these assignments for legal, tax, financial, and historical purposes across Arlington and Northern Virginia. Our process mirrors how a knowledgeable buyer and seller would have negotiated on that date: we pull archived MLS data and public records, select closed sales that bracket the effective date, analyze market conditions then in effect (inventory, days on market, interest rates, neighborhood trends), and apply time and market condition adjustments as supported by contemporaneous evidence. The result is a USPAP-compliant report that clearly states the retrospective effective date, documents the data sources used, discloses any extraordinary assumptions or hypothetical conditions, and presents a reconciled opinion of value that reflects the past market—not today’s.

Common Reasons for a Retrospective Appraisal

Common Reasons for a Retrospective Appraisal — Expanded

  • Date of Death (Estate) Valuations
    Establishes fair market value as of the decedent’s date of death (or an alternative valuation date if required) to support estate settlement, step-up in basis, and IRS filings. The analysis reflects only data and market conditions known on that historical date.

  • Divorce or Dispute Resolution
    Provides an impartial opinion of value as of a court-specified or negotiated date (e.g., separation, filing, or mediation date) to aid equitable distribution, buyouts, or settlements. The report documents relevant historical comparables and market trends in place at that time.

  • Tax Assessment Appeals
    Tests whether the assessor’s valuation date aligns with market evidence for that period. By reconstructing market conditions and sales prior to or around the statutory valuation date, the appraisal can help demonstrate over- or under-assessment.

  • Damage or Casualty Claims
    Determines the property’s pre-loss value as of the day before the event (fire, flood, storm, etc.) to quantify diminution in value and support insurance claims or litigation. The opinion is tied to verified, date-appropriate data and condition assumptions.

  • Financial Audits and Historical Reporting
    Supplies a past-date value for audits, year-end reporting, trust accounting, or compliance needs (e.g., verifying book values, impairment indicators, or historical fair value). The report clearly states the retrospective effective date, scope, and sources used.

What We Deliver

A USPAP-compliant report with a clearly stated retrospective effective date, verified historical comparable sales, market condition analysis for the period, and a reconciled opinion of value.

Service Area

Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, McLean, Vienna, Fairfax County, Annandale, Springfield, Reston, and Herndon.

Helpful Resources

FHFA House Price Index

Freddie Mac Research and Insights

The Appraisal Foundation (USPAP)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you find comparable sales for older dates?

We use archived MLS, public records, and verified data sources to identify sales that bracket the effective date and reflect the market at that time.

Can a retrospective appraisal affect today’s property taxes?

It can inform appeals or legal matters when a past value is required. For current assessments, the assessing authority typically uses its own valuation date and methods.

Is an inspection required if the home has changed since the effective date?

We inspect current condition and reconcile with documentation of the property as it existed on the retrospective date, noting differences.

How quickly can a retrospective appraisal be completed?

Turn time depends on the age of the effective date and data availability. We will provide a clear timeline after a brief intake call.

Request a Retrospective Appraisal

Contact our Arlington appraisal team